that addressing societal challenges like education also offers long-term economic benefits . Investing in education is not merely a philanthropic endeavour but a way to build human capital , which is essential for economic growth and innovation .
The impact investing market has grown significantly in recent years . A 2022 report by the Global Impact Investing Network ( GIIN ) highlighted that global impact investments reached $ 1 trillion , with education playing a pivotal role in that growth . More investors are seeking opportunities that combine financial returns with social impact , especially in regions where educational inequalities are most pronounced . In South Africa , investment in education infrastructure , digital learning platforms and programmes that improve teacher training can have a profound impact , not just on individuals but on the broader economy .
At PPS , education and supporting the youth — or potential future graduate professionals — is a way in which we see our ethos of mutuality expanded . For years PPS has been dedicated to supporting education from high school onward . The programme currently supports around 60
Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners through our Cultivating Tomorrow ’ s Professionals initiative . These students are from eight schools across Cape Town and Gauteng . Additionally , the PPS Foundation supports 50 university students studying towards degrees in science , technology , engineering and mathematics ( STEM ). Several other initiatives also focus on improving education outcomes in schools and universities .
“ Increasingly , our members are expecting institutions like ours to be more explicit about the positive ( and negative ) impact our business models have on society .
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PPS ’ s investment mandate for our PPS Profit-Share Account™ * allows for up to 15 % in alternative strategies . That led to us making our first impact investment of R150 million in an educationfocused fund in the second half of 2024 . The fund will reach well over 30 000 students and give PPS the opportunity to scale our impact more effectively and work with other like-minded institutions to improve longterm educational outcomes for South Africa .
Increasingly , our members
are expecting institutions like ours to be more explicit about the positive ( and negative ) impact our business models have on society . By being more deliberate about our alignment with positive educational outcomes , we can emphasise the core positive impact our mutuality model has on graduate professionals and South African society .
While we are making a significant positive impact through our targeted private equity investments , we will also invest R300 million in early 2025 in another private equity fund that focuses more broadly on infrastructure — not just education infrastructure . This investment aims to generate substantial public benefits while also delivering an investment return .
Click here to learn more about PPS Investments .
* Members holding qualifying life-risk products share in the profit and the loss of PPS through the notional PPS Profit-Share Account™ and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance . ** Kindly note that this does not constitute financial advice the information provided is purely informational . The information , opinions and communication from the PPS Group or any of its subsidiaries , whether written , oral or implied , are expressed in good faith and not intended as financial or investment advice , nor do they constitute an offer or solicitation in any manner .
David Crosoer
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